Businessman's $340 Million Gondola Plan Faces Skepticism in Denver

Ryan Ross' vision for an urban gondola system connecting downtown landmarks draws a small crowd and tough questions.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished, geometric metal model of a gondola cabin suspended in midair against a clean, monochromatic grey background, conveying the premium design and high-tech nature of the proposed transportation system.A conceptual rendering of the sleek, modern gondola cabins proposed for downtown Denver, raising questions about the project's feasibility and impact on the city.Denver Today

Entrepreneur Ryan Ross presented his ambitious $120 million to $340 million plan to build an urban gondola system connecting landmarks across downtown Denver at a recent 'public hearing.' However, the meeting drew only about 50 attendees, many of whom expressed skepticism about the project's costs, impact on local businesses, and whether it's the right investment for the city.

Why it matters

Ross' gondola proposal is part of a broader vision to revitalize downtown Denver with new attractions like a Ferris wheel and moving sidewalks. While some see the need for a 'wow factor' to draw people back to the city center, others are concerned about the price tag and potential disruption to existing businesses that are just starting to recover.

The details

At the meeting, Ross invited three gondola manufacturers to present details about their technology and real-world examples. However, the audience pressed for more information on the project's financing and impact, with one downtown property owner asking how it would affect local businesses. The presenters focused heavily on the technical capabilities of gondolas rather than addressing those concerns directly.

  • The public meeting took place on April 7, 2026.
  • Ross has been floating the gondola idea for several years.

The players

Ryan Ross

The founder of the nonprofit New Downtown Denver and the mastermind behind the proposed gondola system.

Anthony Andora

A downtown property owner who expressed concerns about the potential impact of the gondola on local businesses.

Julie Straehle

A meeting attendee who agrees Denver needs a landmark attraction but is not sold on the gondola proposal as presented.

Alex Norgren

A metallurgist and engineer who came to critique Ross' Ferris wheel idea, but ended up reflecting on the gondola proposal instead.

Doppelmayr

A manufacturer of aerial tramways that presented at the meeting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'There is no parade on this issue. I would add: yet.'”

— Ryan Ross, Founder, New Downtown Denver

“'We want to make sure that whatever happens with downtown Denver, that we're thinking about the businesses, the local businesses that are here and that they're being taken care of and that they're being supported. Because I think we're starting to see a turn now, finally, after several years, and we want to make sure nothing slows that turn down.'”

— Anthony Andora, Downtown property owner

“'It is a dream right now.'”

— Julie Straehle

“'I think it could be reevaluated in 20 years, but we paid for the 16th Street Mall, and I see no reason to undo that and basically throw away that investment right off the bat.'”

— Alex Norgren, Metallurgist and engineer

What’s next

Ross hopes to hold more public meetings to engage with Denver residents and build support for the gondola proposal. He is also seeking $200,000 in public-private funding to conduct a scoping study that would evaluate the project and potentially lead to a request for proposals from companies that design and build automated transit systems.

The takeaway

While Ryan Ross envisions an ambitious, high-tech revitalization of downtown Denver, his gondola proposal has faced skepticism from a small but vocal group of attendees at the initial public meeting. Concerns over costs, impacts on local businesses, and whether it's the right investment for the city will need to be addressed if Ross hopes to gain broader support and move the project forward.